Kazakhstan is a land of striking contrasts: vast steppe plains stretching to the horizon, dramatic canyons carved by millennia, and emerald mountain lakes that feel more like the Rockies or New Zealand than Central Asia. On this 7 day self drive road trip from Almaty, you will explore the most spectacular landscapes in the southeast: the Singing Dune in Altyn Emel National Park, the fairytale scenery of Kaindy Lake and the Kolsai Lakes, and the awe inspiring Charyn Canyon. This itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable photography opportunities.
This 7 day loop starting and ending in Almaty offers the ideal mix of nature, hiking, and local culture. No internal flights needed and logistics are straightforward.
Route highlights:
Expect wide open landscapes, star filled skies, and memorable encounters with nomadic hospitality.
To explore Kazakhstan independently, we highly recommend renting a car directly in Almaty. If you plan to stay in Altyn Emel and the Saty region, a 4×4 is strongly advised. Access roads are mostly gravel and can become rough after rain. For highways and paved roads, a standard car is enough, but a higher clearance SUV gives more peace of mind.
Our recommended rental company: Rentacars.kz in Almaty. Excellent vehicle range from compact to full SUV, English speaking staff, and easy credit card payment.
Driving time: approx. 4 hours (186 mi)
Pick up your car and drive east out of Almaty into endless steppe landscapes. Watch for horse herds and tiny roadside villages where time seems to slow down.
Recommended stops:
Arrive in Basshi by evening (around 6 to 7 pm), check into your guesthouse, and enjoy your first local dinner.
Sightseeing: 5–7 hours depending on stops
Welcome to one of Kazakhstan’s most surreal natural wonders. These are the must see highlights:
With a 4×4, you can self drive. Alternatively, hire a local guide or driver from Basshi’s visitor center. Booking a day ahead is smart during high season. Return to Basshi for a homemade dinner and a quiet desert night.
Reading tip: 1 Day in Altyn Emel National Park – Your Complete Self-Drive Guide
Driving time: approx. 3,5–4 hours (140 mi)
Leave Basshi after breakfast and enjoy a photogenic drive toward Charyn Canyon National Park. The landscape shifts from rolling steppe to rugged cliffs as you approach (nice photo spot in the area).
After checking into your accommodation – choose between a cozy yurt or a simple apartment – head out for a golden hour walk along the canyon rim. Dinner under a starry Central Asian sky will be a night to remember.
Hike: 2–3 hours · approx. 3.8 mi return
Driving time: 2 hours to Saty
Begin your day with a hike into the Valley of Castles, where towering orange rock walls plunge toward the Charyn River. A shuttle back to the top is optional.
Reading tip: Explore Charyn Canyon on Your Own – The Complete Day Guide to Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon
On the way to Saty, stop at Moon Canyon Viewpoint, then continue through the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains. Arrive in Saty, check in, and enjoy a homemade dinner with your host family.
Hiking time: 5–7 hours · approx. 8.7 miles round trip
After breakfast, head to Kolsai Lake 1, the starting point of the trail. The path winds through forests and alpine meadows with a steady climb until you reach one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Central Asia: Kolsai Lake 2.
Why you will love it:
Reading tip: Kolsai Lakes National Park: Your Complete Guide to Saty & Beyond
In the evening, return to your guesthouse in Saty for a well deserved dinner and rest.
Driving time: 1.5 hours to the lake · 3–3.5 hours to Almaty
Visit Kaindy Lake, famous for its ghostly sunken spruce trees rising from emerald water like a sculpture garden. Take an easy lakeside walk or rent a boat if available
In the afternoon, drive back to Almaty for dinner in the city’s vibrant food scene. Reading tip: 48 Hours in Almaty – The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
Time in the city: 4–6 hours depending on schedule
Top things to see: Visit Green Bazaar for fresh fruit, spices, and street food and Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral for history and architecture.
Return your rental car and prepare for your flight home – or extend your trip to Astana (48 Hours in Astana: Your Ultimate Weekend Guide) or Shymbulak.
To give you a clear overview of the route, here are the most important distances for your 7-day route around Almaty:
Average prices for 2 travelers with 4×4 rental and comfortable guesthouses:
| Category | Approx. Price |
| 4×4 rental (7 days with insurance) | $ 400-450 |
| Fuel | $ 80–120 |
| Accommodations (guesthouses & yurts) | $ 240–350 |
| Food & drinks | $ 50–70 |
| Entrance fees & tours | $ 30–60 |
| Total | $ 800–1.050 ($ 400–525 p. P.) |
Ideal travel season is from May to October. We visited in September with T shirt weather by day and cool evenings.
Every season has its own appeal:
Our conclusion: This 7 day route combines the most iconic natural wonders near Almaty: lunar like mountains, roaring canyons, and alpine lakes. It is ideal for outdoorsy travelers who want adventure without rushing – plenty of time to relax, explore, and take breathtaking photos. Looking for a shorter trip? Check out our 5 day Kazakhstan itinerary packed with all the highlights.
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